LION'S MANE MUSHROOM: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

FAQs

Who should avoid lion's mane? ›

Lion's mane may also slow blood clotting and blood sugar levels. For this reason, it may interact with blood-clotting medications and diabetes treatments, Richard says. Don't consume lion's mane if you're allergic or sensitive to mushrooms.

There have been documented cases of people experiencing difficulty breathing or skin rashes after exposure to lion's mane mushrooms, likely related to allergies ( 63 , 64 ). Animal studies suggest that lion's mane mushroom and its extracts are very safe, even at high doses.

Lion's mane is generally recognized as safe and has not been linked to serum enzyme elevations during therapy nor to episodes of clinically apparent liver injury.

Those studies showed that lion's mane can help regulate blood sugar and reduce high blood pressure, as well as other mental and brain health applications including treating depression and improving recovery after a traumatic brain injury, according to an article in Popular Science.

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with LION'S MANE MUSHROOM. Lion's mane mushroom might slow blood clotting. Taking lion's mane mushroom along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Is lion's mane mushroom a drug? Lion's mane mushroom is not a drug. It's available as a food or a dietary supplement. Any health claims on dietary supplements have not been reviewed by the FDA.

Furthermore, Lion's Mane does not contain any addictive substances such as opioids or psychoactive compounds. It is primarily composed of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides and hericenones, which are believed to contribute to its potential health benefits.

Does lion's mane work immediately? While some people may feel a difference incredibly quickly after only a few days, this is rare. Most users will need to take lion's mane regularly for several weeks or 2-3 months before feeling a significant effect and reaping the long-term benefits.

Lion's Mane has been shown to support normal immunity by increasing the activity of the intestinal immune system. Lion's Mane contains a special type of polysaccharide called beta-glucan, which is well known to support the activity of innate immune cells.

Research suggests that Lion's mane mushrooms may offer a range of health benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved cognitive and heart health. People can eat them or take them in the form of supplements. Lion's mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) are white, globe-shaped fungi that have long, shaggy spines.

Can mushroom supplements cause liver damage? ›

The Susan G. Komen Foundation note that reishi mushroom extract is possibly safe for up to 1 year when a person takes it orally. However, they also note that taking powdered reishi mushroom for longer than 1 month may be toxic to the liver.

Lion's Mane is another type of mushroom known for its numerous health benefits, including potential kidney benefits. While further studies are needed to understand its full impact on kidney health, initial research, and traditional usage suggest it may have protective effects on the kidneys.

Bleeding Disorders: Lion's Mane has been shown to have blood thinning properties. If you have a bleeding disorder and take blood thinner (anticoagulant/antiplatelet) medication, you should avoid taking Lion's Mane mushroom supplements, as it may slow down blood clotting or cause bruising.

A more recent study, published in June 2020 in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, found that taking three 350 mg capsules of lion's mane daily for 49 weeks may have helped lead to significant improvements in brain health in people with mild Alzheimer's disease.

“Lion's mane is generally well tolerated, but the most common side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea and a skin rash,” says Dr. Watson. If you experience side effects, discontinue lion's mane consumption until you've spoken with a health care provider.

The human research we do have shows there may be a possible benefit of lion's mane supplements in older adults with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease. But larger studies are needed to confirm this. Mushrooms like lion's mane are nutrient-rich and can be eaten as part of a balanced diet.

17 Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) could result, especially if lion's mane is taken with diabetes medicines. Watch for signs of hypoglycemia, like shakiness, headache, or a fast heart rate. Blood thinners: One of lion's mane's components slows blood clotting.

Lion's Mane is another type of mushroom known for its numerous health benefits, including potential kidney benefits. While further studies are needed to understand its full impact on kidney health, initial research, and traditional usage suggest it may have protective effects on the kidneys.

If you're dealing with chronic stress, sleep disturbances, or general well-being, Ashwagandha may be your best bet. On the other hand, if you're looking to boost cognitive function, memory, and mood, Lion's Mane might be the more suitable option.